A gluten-free diet is a diet that excludes the protein, gluten. Gluten proteins are found in wheat (durum, emmer, spelt, farina, farro, KAMUT® Khorasan wheat and einkorn), rye, barley and triticale. Gluten helps foods maintain their shape, acting as glue that holds food together. Gluten can be found in numerous types of foods, even ones that would not be expected.

The gluten-free diet is primarily used to treat celiac disease. Gluten causes inflammation in the small intestines of people with celiac disease. Eating a gluten-free diet benefits people with celiac disease to control their signs and symptoms and prevent complications. People living with non-celiac gluten sensitivity also benefit from a gluten-free diet. There are no other alternatives to cure or manage celiac disease other than to stick to the strict 100% gluten-free diet.

Those who are gluten-free can still enjoy a healthy diet filled with fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, beans, legumes and most dairy products. Such ingredients are naturally gluten-free, and safe for individuals who do not have allergies to these particular food groups.